My review of WHEN NIGHT COMES, by Dan Walsh

    Successful author Jack Turner returns to Culpepper to work on a new book and to serve as guest lecturer on World War II topics for his former history professor at the local university. By coincidence, Jack hits town on the same day a university student is found dead under disturbing circumstances.

    On his first evening in Culpepper, Jack has dinner with his former professor, then returns to his apartment--and experiences a shattering and inexplicable event. Forces beyond Jack's imagining are at work on the formerly peaceful campus.

    Dan Walsh's unique plot twists keep the surprises coming at breath-taking speed. When Night Comes had me in suspense with every turn of the page.  There’s much I'd like to add to this review, but I don't want to post any spoilers.

    When Night Comes is a must-read for suspense lovers. The official release date is November 1, but it's available for pre-order on your Kindle right now. Don't miss this one!

My review: BECOMING BEA, by Leslie Gould

  Bea Zook is a homebody who has few friends. Although she's of marriageable age, she's decided she'll never marry, which is an anomaly in her Amish community.

When near neighbors are overwhelmed by the birth of triplets, Bea decides to step out of her comfort zone to answer their call for help in dealing with the new babies.
 
After Bea goes to stay with the family, her confidence grows to the point where she begins to make friends with the other young people in her community. One person she can't stand, however, is Ben Rupp. They've been rivals ever since their school days. Ben knows all the ways to rile Bea, and she responds accordingly. Yet, they have more in common than they realize.

    Becoming Bea is an appealing story on many levels. The way the birth of the triplets impacted the family is a fascinating segment of the plot, as are Bea's own family issues.

   Readers of Leslie Gould's previous novels in The Courtship of Lancaster County series will enjoy updates on characters from Courting Cate, Adoring Addie, and Minding Molly. However, it’s not necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy Becoming Bea. I loved Bea--and Ben! This novel is one you don't want to miss.

My thanks to the author and Bethany House for my review copy.

 (As an aside, Bopplis is the Amish term used for babies. I think it's a darling name for little ones!)

Review: WHERE TREETOPS GLISTEN, by Cara Putman, Sarah Sundin, and Tricia Goyer

In Where Treetops Glisten, the authors have written three Christmas novellas featuring one family, the Turners. In addition to the continuing family connection, the stories are further intertwined by their setting--Lafayette, Indiana--and the time period--World War II.

Cara Putman, Sarah Sundin, and Tricia Goyer are each known for their skill in writing stories set during World War II, and nowhere do these skills shine brighter than in these novellas.

 I loved the fact that the stories followed one family through the war, so when I finished reading the first novella I could pick up the continuing thread in the second and the third.

In Winter Wonderland, Cara Putman tells the story of Abigail Turner, whose beau was killed at Pearl Harbor. Abigail has vowed never to allow herself to suffer loss again. However, a hard-working young man who is struggling to support his widowed mother tempts her to soften her stance.

    I'll be Home for Christmas, Sarah Sundin's delightful novella, features Abigail's brother Pete Turner, Grace Kessler--an over-burdened young mother, and Grace's handful of a daughter, Linnie. This story is a delight on many levels. Pete and Grace each have issues to overcome, while Linnie persists in running away with the story.

    Tricia Goyer takes readers near enemy lines in Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Merry Turner is a nurse serving in the Netherlands, close to the German border. Merry became a nurse in order to serve her country. She hopes by her service and the distance from home that she can heal her broken and betrayed heart. Sometimes gritty, but always gripping, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas brought me to tears a time or two.

    This is the most enjoyable Christmas collection I've ever read,,and I recommend Where Treetops Glisten highly. This book would make a wonderful gift for the readers on your list, but be sure to buy a copy for yourself.  You won’t be sorry.